Pasta salad –Today, I want to share a delightful recipe for a refreshing pasta salad that’s perfect for any occasion. This dish is vibrant and packed with flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser at potlucks or family gatherings. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a side dish for dinner, this pasta salad is sure to impress!
Pasta Salad Closeup
This is a close-up view of the colorful pasta salad that I prepared. The bright ingredients make it visually appealing, and it’s just as delicious as it looks!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this tasty pasta salad:
- 8 oz pasta (preferably rotini or penne)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumbers, diced
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced (any color)
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, diced or mini balls
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to whip up your pasta salad:
- Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain it and rinse with cold water to cool it down.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, red onion, black olives, mozzarella cheese, and parsley.
- Pour the Italian dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine. Make sure all the ingredients are coated well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer a stronger flavor, feel free to add more dressing.
- Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
- Serve chilled and enjoy your delicious pasta salad!
This pasta salad is not just tasty; it’s also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins, like grilled chicken or chickpeas. Enjoy making it your own!